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Biomedical subjects

M V Miller

Publications and source records attributed to M V Miller.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Biphasic sarcomatoid basal cell carcinoma (carcinosarcoma): four cases with immunohistochemistry and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Biphasic sarcomatoid carcinoma (BSC), or carcinosarcoma, is an uncommon biphasic neoplasm that has been reported in diverse anatomical sites. The tumor is composed of a malignant epithelial component intimately associated with a malignant mesenchymal component, which may be homologous or heterologous. Twenty-three cases of primary cutaneous BSC have been reported in the English literature. In only eight of these cases was basal cell carcinoma the epithelial component. METHODS: We report a further four cases of primary cutaneous biphasic basal cell carcinoma, and include the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features. RESULTS: The four cases showed basal cell carcinoma associated with a pleomorphic sarcomatous stroma. In addition, myofibroblastic differentiation and foci of osteoid were present in one case, and leiomyosarcomatous areas in another. The epithelial components were positive for several epithelial markers. The mesenchymal components were positive for vimentin and CD99, and negative for epithelial markers. p53 was positive with equal intensity in both epithelial and mesenchymal components. A significantly worse outcome was observed in patients with tumors measuring 40 mm or more at excision. CONCLUSIONS: The sarcomatous component of the tumor is best regarded as a metaplastic transformation of the carcinomatous component. These tumors are potentially aggressive if incompletely excised, and complete resection is recommended.

12E7 Antigen↗

Ultrasound of soft-tissue masses: pitfalls in interpretation.

A review of 43 patients with soft-tissue tumours identified from a tumour registry showed a 23% rate of incorrect initial diagnosis by ultrasound imaging. Seven patients, five with malignant tumours, suffered a delay in diagnosis (ranging up to 6 months) as a result. The most common error was to mistake a solid tumour for a haematoma. Caution is recommended in the interpretation of ultrasound of soft-tissue masses, particularly with regard to the erroneous diagnosis of haematoma.

Adolescent↗

Implementation of image-guided large-core needle biopsy of the breast on a limited budget.

Image-guided large-core needle biopsy (LCNB) of the breast is becoming widely accepted as an accurate, minimally invasive and economical way to obtain a tissue diagnosis of breast lesions. However, much of this work has been done with expensive dedicated equipment, often favouring stereotaxic guidance. Image-guided LCNB was introduced to Middlemore Hospital based around existing inexpensive equipment, and stereotaxic or ultrasound guidance was chosen depending on which showed the lesion best. Multidisciplinary clinical, radiological and pathological assessment of each case was performed. The results of 213 biopsies (112 stereotaxic and 101 ultrasound guidance) are reported here. Malignancy was shown or suspected in 85 biopsies (40%). The absolute sensitivity for malignancy was 97% with complete sensitivity of 100%. The absolute specificity was 100% and the complete specificity 98.5%. Large-core needle biopsy can be successfully implemented in a large institution without investment in expensive equipment while maintaining high ratios of malignant/benign biopsies. Attention to technique and careful multidisciplinary review are important to the success of such a programme.

Biopsy, Needle↗

A cutaneous infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum.

We report the case of a 24-year-old man with a cutaneous Mycobacterium fortuitum infection. The investigation and management of this patient are discussed, and literature pertaining to this organism is reviewed. The importance of considering mycobacteria in the pathogenesis of chronic cutaneous disease is stressed.

Adult↗

Subungual exostosis in a young woman.

A case of Dupuytren's exostosis arising under the left great toenail of a 12 yr-old girl following an episode of trauma 5 mths earlier is reported. These lesions, occurring predominantly in young adults and usually affecting the great toe, have a propensity for local recurrence. The radiological and histological features and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Child↗

Invasive naevus of Ota.

A slowly invasive naevus of Ota was followed for 50 yrs. During this time multiple biopsies were considered to be benign cellular blue naevus. The left globe, orbit, frontal bone and meninges were excised to achieve clearance.

Adult↗

Malignant melanoma of the uveal tract--a review of the Auckland experience.

Ninety-three cases of malignant melanoma of the uveal tract diagnosed in Auckland between April 1960 and July 1984 were reviewed to determine the significant pathological factors for predicting prognosis. Six factors correlating with outcome were: extension of the tumour into and through sclera or into optic nerve, tumour size, cell type, mitotic rate, pigmentation, vascularity.

Australia↗